• Reimagined City 2024: Summer Art Workshop

    Performance Space

    Join us for a painting workshop exploring Manchester migrant culture and sharing migrant story through art! Reimagined City: Summer Art Workshop is a painting workshop exploring international influence on local culture, stories of identity, and the migrant history of Manchester. Tracing identity through art, each participant will learn to paint their own canvas and share […]

  • Music Days: Born and Bred

    Performance Space

    Join us for Music Thursday at Central Library! Doodle Dance is a workshop that combines mindful doodling techniques with movement. Create doodles and dance moves of your own in this fun and playful workshop. Designed for children of all ages for those who love to move and for those who aren’t sure. So come doodle, […]

  • National Playday

    Performance Space

    Want a challenge over the summer? Join our big play day event and find out what challenges you can take on this summer. We will have an extra Lego club where we will challenge you to make your favourite reading space in Lego. Visit us at the main entrance, where we will tell you about […]

  • Word Central

    Performance Space

    Word Central hosted by Tony Curry. Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 16th July via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential that you stay within this timeframe. Performance slots are allocated […]

  • Build a Business Pop-Up Market

    Performance Space

    Discover and support local talent at the Build a Business Pop-Up Market! This exciting event features an array of unique, high-quality products crafted by innovative entrepreneurs from Greater Manchester. Stroll through stalls filled with handmade goods, delicious food and drink, and meet the creative minds behind these small businesses. FREE to drop in, this market is […]

  • The African Presence in University of Manchester’s Bicentenary 1824-2024

    Performance Space

    This year, as the University of Manchester celebrates its 200th anniversary and recognises the significant achievements and contributions of many figures, groups and organisations, we must ensure that the profound impact of individuals from the African continent and the African Diaspora is not overlooked.  We are honoured to present an illustrative review and critique by […]

  • Crime Central

    Performance Space

    Rob Parker welcomes Nilesha Chauvet, Tony Kent and Trevor Wood to Manchester! Bringing the best from all over! Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country - the big names are all coming to Manchester! Go behind the scenes! Showcasing blockbuster bestsellers, emerging talent and industry insiders, Crime […]

  • Love Stories etc Festival

    Performance Space

    A Celebration of Modern Romantic Fiction. Welcome to the first Love Stories etc Festival. The one-day Romance Festival will be held at the stunning Manchester Central Library and will feature 28 bestselling romance authors as part of a huge celebration of modern romantic fiction. Authors and publishers across the UK will be gathering in Manchester […]

    £30.00 – £40.00
  • 90th Celebration – Sunday Funday

    Performance Space

    This year, Central Library celebrates 90 years since its grand opening. Join us for this cultural extravaganza during Festival of Libraries Week, celebrating the old and the new, and the venue’s many highlights and successes over the past 90 years. Featuring music, performances, crafts, displays, and lots more fantastic family fun including: Edible Storytime Manchester […]

  • The Embassy of Utopia

    Performance Space

    Over two days, dreamers, poets, musicians, writers, and artists speak about and perform their vision for the future. What has Manchester collectively got to say? Free - drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in the venue, or online

  • LYR open the Festival of Libraries 2024

    Performance Space

    A live music performance from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage's band LYR and local Manchester artist Jospehine Oniyama, featuring a very special new single dedicated to libraries. Booking required. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in the venue, or online

  • Manchester Histories Festival: ‘R History Open Mic Extravaganza!

    Performance Space

    Manchester Histories hosts a two-day open mic extravaganza! A celebration of voices, a collective ode to the diverse stories that shape our shared identity. Book Friday 7 June (11.30am-2.45pm): DAY 2: Friday 7th June 2024 – ‘R Histories Open Mic Extravaganza! – Manchester Histories Book Saturday 8 June (11.30am-3pm): DAY 3: Saturday 8th June 2024 […]